The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I went to see this Edison DD today. When I tried the crank I didn't feel any resistance. When you look inside it is not connecting with anything. Can you tell from this picture if it is missing something or is just the wrong crank. The guy wants $450 for this, a VV-VI in oak, 16 DDs and 75ish 78s. I am trying to decide if it is worth it.

There's nothing wrong with that motor - - except it's missing the mainspring!

Edison DD mechanisms are easy to find. If you lived near me, I'd give you a complete single-spring mechanism. Is the horn/lift lever mechanism present? Those can be found too, but it needs to be the proper size.

Whoever's selling this has some brass to ask $450 for this, a Victrola VI, and some records. Having said that, it might be worth it if the cabinet was nicely refinished. That can best be determined in person. A nice cabinet is worth something...

George P.

The cabinet is actually in really great shape. It looks original and has no alligatoring. I think I only saw one or two knicks even. I didn't know to look for the horn/lift lever mechanism as I don't know anything about Edisons. I think I will tell him this is a little above me.

My guess is the cabinet has either been refinished or cleaned to the point of removing too much of the surface. Still its quite savable for maybe 75.00.

It did look like quite a light finish to me too. but I did google the model and saw several others were more red than dark mahogany....I just figured it depended on the year.

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/atq/3185881613.html


There are a lot more pictures on the listing. If it helps. I really think I may just pass.

You should be able to pick up a 250 horn which is usually called the Laboratory Model and the largest and best sound in complete condition for considerably less than this one with questionable finish and no motor. I would wait if I were you.

Larry

Yes, Sonnyphono found one if those for me. I will go that route.

Given that the motor board assembly on my C150 is out of the machine at the moment awaiting completion of cabinet restoration, thought I'd put up a picture of what a working one looks like.

Clay

FloridaClay wrote:Given that the motor board assembly on my C150 is out of the machine at the moment awaiting completion of cabinet restoration, thought I'd put up a picture of what a working one looks like.

Clay

This is one of the good parts about collecting Diamond Disc machines - so many of the motors are completely interchangeable. In fact the difference between this single spring motor and a double spring motor consists of just two things - the double spring barrel and the winding/spring support bracket. That means you can convert most single spring motors to double spring motors in about 5 minutes.

Of course, given how easy it is to find these motors, you may just want to swap out the entire motor instead! I have bought 2 complete motors for as little as $30 this year, and one of those even came with the horn, lifting mechanism, and volume control cable (though sadly not the mute ball).

I don't bother sending Diamond Disc springs out for repair anymore, I just swap in a good spring and barrel from another machine and I'm done!